Early evening in the city. My friends and I stroll
up the avenue. I am giddy, happy, joyfully
aware of my new blue coat lined with white fur, and
my smart little hat made of the same fabric.
Big white fluffy snowflakes fill the space
between the dark blue sky and the pavement.
The trees are covered with puffs of white.
We are carefree! The world so pretty.
“Excuse me, what time is it?”
my friend stops a passing lady.
The answer is politely given, sometimes with a smile.
We walk on, giggling quietly. It's my turn now.
“Excuse me please, what time is it?”
And so we continue up the avenue.

My skirt matches my brother's shorts,
the same white tops for both of us.
We love our new clothes and walk proudly—
Mother waves from the window, her face bright with pleasure.

My childhood …long ago …in that other life.
The Avenues, the children, my loved ones—
Where are they all?

In clouds of smoke and fumes they went
Buried in ditches filled with blood—
And only memories remain—
Snapshots, framed in pain and sorrow
Snapshots of a childhood murdered.

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